CA2565760C - Rupturable opening for sealed container - Google Patents
Rupturable opening for sealed container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2565760C CA2565760C CA2565760A CA2565760A CA2565760C CA 2565760 C CA2565760 C CA 2565760C CA 2565760 A CA2565760 A CA 2565760A CA 2565760 A CA2565760 A CA 2565760A CA 2565760 C CA2565760 C CA 2565760C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- embossments
- laminate
- container
- layer
- substrate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 claims description 56
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 33
- 239000010902 straw Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000002344 surface layer Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000004049 embossing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010420 art technique Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012793 heat-sealing layer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000003566 sealing material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002648 laminated material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000015205 orange juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013047 polymeric layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/22—Details
- B65D77/24—Inserts or accessories added or incorporated during filling of containers
- B65D77/28—Cards, coupons, or drinking straws
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B50/00—Making rigid or semi-rigid containers, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B31B50/74—Auxiliary operations
- B31B50/81—Forming or attaching accessories, e.g. opening devices, closures or tear strings
- B31B50/84—Forming or attaching means for filling or dispensing contents, e.g. valves or spouts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B50/00—Making rigid or semi-rigid containers, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B31B50/74—Auxiliary operations
- B31B50/88—Printing; Embossing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/38—Devices for discharging contents
- B65D25/40—Nozzles or spouts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/72—Contents-dispensing means
- B65D5/74—Spouts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2231/00—Means for facilitating the complete expelling of the contents
- B65D2231/02—Precut holes or weakened zones
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Cartons (AREA)
- Making Paper Articles (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Machines For Manufacturing Corrugated Board In Mechanical Paper-Making Processes (AREA)
- Wrappers (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
- Containers Opened By Tearing Frangible Portions (AREA)
- Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
- Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)
Abstract
A container formed from a paperboard laminate (10) and including a rupturable opening for gaining access to the contents of the container, the opening being defined by an embossment pattern (28) in a wall of the container. The embossment defines a weakened area which includes the layers of the laminate, but without destruction or deterioration of selected ones of the barrier/sealing layers (18, 19) of the laminate. A method is disclosed.
Description
TITLE OF INVENTION
RUPTURABLE OPENING FOR SEALED CONTAINER
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to rupturable openings useful for gaining access to the contents of a closed (sealed) container and methods for forming the same.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Liquid comestibles, commonly are offered to the consumer contained within closed (sealed) containers formed from laminates which include a paperboard substrate having at least one or more outer barrier layers. Such barrier layers insulate the paperboard from access to moisture originating either internally or externally of the container. At times, the barrier layer(s) further bar or reduce the transfer of gas through the container wall. The outer layer, at times, may comprise a heat sealing layer, which may also serve a barrier function.
Access to the contents of the container is commonly afforded by inserting a common drinking straw through an opening defined in the wall of the top end of the container. Such areas have heretofore taken many forms, such as multiple slits radiating from a central point and extending partially or fully through a wall of the container, partial perforations through the container wall, or other techniques. Most commonly, such areas are defined employing cuts partially through the thickness of the container wall, thereby permitting the rupture of the area using a common drinking straw, for example, to thereby gain access to the interior of the container. Also, the prior art includes the technique of providing slits or cuts through most or all of the thickness of the wall of the container, with these slits or cuts being temporarily sealed with a removable patch, cover, or a flap of the container.
RUPTURABLE OPENING FOR SEALED CONTAINER
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to rupturable openings useful for gaining access to the contents of a closed (sealed) container and methods for forming the same.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Liquid comestibles, commonly are offered to the consumer contained within closed (sealed) containers formed from laminates which include a paperboard substrate having at least one or more outer barrier layers. Such barrier layers insulate the paperboard from access to moisture originating either internally or externally of the container. At times, the barrier layer(s) further bar or reduce the transfer of gas through the container wall. The outer layer, at times, may comprise a heat sealing layer, which may also serve a barrier function.
Access to the contents of the container is commonly afforded by inserting a common drinking straw through an opening defined in the wall of the top end of the container. Such areas have heretofore taken many forms, such as multiple slits radiating from a central point and extending partially or fully through a wall of the container, partial perforations through the container wall, or other techniques. Most commonly, such areas are defined employing cuts partially through the thickness of the container wall, thereby permitting the rupture of the area using a common drinking straw, for example, to thereby gain access to the interior of the container. Also, the prior art includes the technique of providing slits or cuts through most or all of the thickness of the wall of the container, with these slits or cuts being temporarily sealed with a removable patch, cover, or a flap of the container.
It is noted that in the industry there exists containers for comestibles such as milk for example, wherein the container is of a lidded cup geometry.
However, in certain of these containers, the opening for gaining access to the contents of the container is located at the bottom of the container, i.e., at that end of the container opposite the lid. In the present disclosure, the term "top wall" of the container is to be construed as referring to that wall of the container through which access to the contents of the container is achieved employing an opening as disclosed herein. Thus, in the aforedescribed lidded cup, the "top wall" of such container would include the actual bottom wall of the cup.
These prior art techniques for weakening the container wall for insertion of a drinking straw, for example, suffer from various problems. Obviously, unsealed full cuts through the thickness of. the container wall are impermissible. Weakening an area of the container wall by cutting partially through the thickness of the wall requires precise cutting of the blank from which the container is ultimately formed. Known commercial production equipment used for this purpose has been found unreliable for producing such partial thickness cuts. Such unreliability is exacerbated by variances in the thickness of the laminate being cut as well as other factors.
Attempts have been made in the prior art to produce weakened areas in the container wall by embossing a pattern in the container wall. In certain containers formed from paperboard laminates and intended to contain a liquid, it is permissible that one or more, but less than all, of the layers of the laminate to be ruptured in the course of defining an opening to be used for future access to the contents of the container. This is true, for example, with containers for liquids having a short shelf life, such as milk. With containers for other liquids such as orange juice, it is impermissible that the liquid in the container be allowed access to the fibers of the paperboard substrate of the laminate. Known embossing patterns and their techniques of production have been found to rupture the outer layers of barrier or sealing materials that are laminated to one or both of the opposite surfaces of a paperboard substrate, thereby exposing the absorbent fibers of the paperboard to soak up liquid from inside the container, or to soak up liquid from the exterior of the container, either such event destroying the ability of the laminate to contain the contents of the container within the container, or permitting inadvertent puncture of the weakened area of the container wall.
In more severe instances, leakage of the container contents results, while in any such instance, the purity, flavor, etc. of the container contents may be compromised. Whereas, as noted, rupture of one or more of the barrier or sealing layers of a paperboard laminate to be used to form containers for liquids, is permissible in certain containers, such layer rupture is not permissible in other containers for liquids. Known prior art techniques, including known embossment patterns, have been found to be lacking in their ability to consistently provide a weakened area in a wall of a container for liquids employing a paperboard laminate, wherein the weakened area remains intact to the extent necessary to retain the contents within the container and/or to protect the contents of the container against undesired alterations of the contents of the container, and still is readily rupturable by a common drinking straw.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved rupturable area in the wall of a container for selectively gaining access to the contents of the container, such improvement including a pattern of at least first and second elongated, e.g., linear, embossments which intersect one another, such as at approximately their respective midpoints. Each embossment is of substantially semi-circular, e.g. rounded, cross-sectional geometry whereby the area immediately adjacent their intersection is substantially less resistant to rupture upon the application of a rupturing force in the nature of a drinking straw urged against the intersection of the embossments, than in those areas of the embossments disposed laterally outwardly of the intersection of the embossments.
The present invention is particularly useful for providing selective access to the contents of a container formed from a paperboard substrate which has a barrier or sealing outer layer of polymeric material bonded to one or both of the outer surfaces of the paperboard. In this latter embodiment, the embossment is performed on a blank from which the container is to be formed. Preferably, the embossment projects outwardly of the outer surface of the wall of the fmished container, but the embossing may be performed from either of the outer surfaces of the container blank, as desired.
In the method of the present invention, a blank intended to be erected into a container is embossed in accordance with the present invention employing male and female mating dies, the male die preferably being disposed on that surface of the blank which will ultimately become the inner wall of the erected container. Through the choice of the extent of closure between the male and female dies, with the laminate paperboard disposed therebetween, and the size and geometry of the projection on the male die and the cavity in the female die, the present method repetitively provides uniform embossment with consistent rupture of less than all the layers of the laminate paperboard or as desired, non-rupture of any of the layers of the laminate, or of one or more layers of the laminate other than at lease one layer which is designed to be a barrier against ingress or egress of gases or liquids into or from the container, or as a heat sealing layer useful in the forming of the container from a blank. The resultant embossment is readily ruptured using a common drinking straw.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a blank comprises a substrate having a plurality of score lines. The substrate is configured to be folded along the plurality of score lines to form a sealed enclosure. A
structurally weakened area is defined on a portion of the substrate. The structurally weakened area comprises a plurality of embossments configured to be produced by a pair of male die inserts acting on opposed sides of the substrate. The structurally weakened area includes a thickness that is substantially less than a thickness of the substrate. The structurally weakened area is configured to be ruptured upon applying a force thereto to permit access to an interior region of the sealed enclosure.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention a container comprises a blank having a paperboard layer that has opposed surfaces. The blank is configured to be integrally folded to form a sealed enclosure having a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls. A plurality of barrier and sealing layers disposed on at least one of opposed surfaces of the paperboard layer. A
structurally weakened area is defined on a portion of the top wall. The structurally weakened area comprises a plurality of embossments configured to be produced by a pair of male die inserts. Each of the plurality of embossments includes a thickness that is substantially less than a thickness of the substrate, the plurality of embossments further include a selected geometry such that the plurality of the barrier and sealing layers remains functionally intact when the laminate is embossed. The structurally weakened area is configured to be ruptured upon applying a force against the structurally weakened area at the location of the plurality of the embossments.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a blank-forming apparatus produces embossments on the portion of the blank. The apparatus comprises a plurality of die cylinders and configured to be mounted longitudinally on the blank-forming apparatus. A plurality of die inserts having a plurality of embossments is releaseably mounted in the longitudinal direction on the plurality of die cylinders. The plurality of die inserts is configured to cooperate with one another to produce a structurally weakened area on the portion of the blank passed therebetween.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method of making a blank is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate having a plurality of score lines and producing a pattern of embossments on the substrate by using a pair of male die inserts. The pattern of embossments is defined by a plurality of shallow indentation embossments intersecting one another. The locus of intersection of the plurality of shallow indentation embossments defines a structurally weakened area having a lesser resistance to rupture than the remainder of the pattern of the embossments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Figure 1 is a laid out view of one embodiment of a blank useful for forming a container having a rupturable area defined in the top wall thereof according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a top view of one embodiment of an embossment pattern of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2,of a portion of the top wall of a container and including an embossment pattern embodying various aspects of the present invention plus a depiction of a drinking straw poised for rupture of the depicted embossment;
Figure 4 is a side elevation view of a portion of a container wall as depicted in Figure 3 and schematically depicting the penetration of the wall with a drinking straw via a rupturable opening in the wall employing various aspects of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embossment in a container wall and embodying various features of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a representation of an alternative embossment pattern embodying various of the features of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a representation of an alternative embossment pattern embodying various of the features of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a representation of an alternative embossment pattern embodying various of the features of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a representation of an alternative embossment pattern embodying various of the features of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a representation of an alternative embossment pattern embodying various of the features of the present invention;
Figure 11 is a representation of an alternative embossment pattern embodying various of the features of the present invention;
Figure 12 is a side elevational view, in section, of a typical die employed in the formation of an embossment of the present invention;
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a laminate paperboard useful in the present invention;
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a further laminate paperboard useful in the present invention; and Figure 15 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of apparatus for embossing a laminate in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 16 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an embossment pattern of the present invention;
Figure 17 is a side view of the embossment depicted in Figure 16;
Figure 18 is side views of a pair of male dies facing one another;
Figure 19 is cross sectional view of a portion of a substrate useful in the second embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 20 is a schematic representation of the second embodiment of apparatus for embossing a blank in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a container particularly useful for containing a liquid comestible which is intended to be accessed and withdrawn from the interior of the container via a common drinking straw which is also employed to rupture a relatively small weakened area in a wall (usually the top wall) of the container and thereby permit the passage of the straw into the interior of the container, all as is well known in the prior art and need not be described in detail.
Figures 3 and 4 depict a portion 20 of the top wall 22 of a container and the entry of the end 24 of a straw 26 into the interior of the container via a weakened area 38 in the wall of the container, the weakened area being ruptured using the end of the straw.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the paperboard laminate 10 (Figures 13 and 14) comprises a paperboard substrate 12 having a thickness of between about 15 and about 17 mils for example. In a typical paperboard laminate as used in the formation of containers for liquids, at least one, and commonly both, of the opposite surfaces 14, 16 of the paperboard has bonded thereto a barrier layer 18, 19, commonly of a polymeric material, such as polyethylene which also may serve as a barrier against the entry into, or passage through, the wall of the container of gas(es) or liquid(s) and/or as a sealant in the formation of the blank into a container. This barrier or sealing layer commonly may be about 25 microns thick, for example. Whereas the laminates depicted in Figures 13 and 14 include only two and three layers, respectively, it will be recognized that the laminate may include additional layers, as desired or needed for a particular application of the laminate.
Figure 1 depicts a typical blank 30 employed in the formation of a common gable top container which includes one embodiment of an embossment pattern 28 defined in one panel 32 of the top end 34 of the blank which ultimately becomes the top end of a container. The depicted blank includes various fold lines 36, for example, commonly formed as score lines into the thickness of the blank.
Referring to Figures 2-5, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a wall 22 of a container for a liquid comestible, for example, is provided with a structurally weakened area 38 designed to be ruptured using a common drinking straw 26. In the present invention this weakened area takes the form of an embossment 40 defined in the wall'of the container and which includes at least first and second generally elongated (e.g., linear) portions 42 and 44, respectively, which intersect 46 one another, for example, at their approximate midpoints. In the depicted, and preferred, embossment, each of the linear portions of the embossment is of a substantially semi-circular cross-section as seen in Figures 3, 5, 13, and 14.
As a consequence of their formation by embossing, each of the linear sections is weakened to a first degree and subject to ready rupture. Of importance in the present invention, through the use of such intersecting linear, semi-circular cross-sectional, portions 42, 44 of the embossment, the present inventor provides an area within the intersection 46 of the linear portions which is weakened to a second degree which provides lesser resistance to rupture than the resistance to rupture of the remainder of each of the linear portions of the embossment. Thus, the present embossment pattern provides an area within the embossment pattern which is readily ruptured by applying a force thereagainst using the end of a common drinking straw to provide ready and easy initial commencement of a rupture of the weakened intersection of the generally linear embossments. Once a rupture of the weaker intersection area has commenced, less force is required to extend the rupture laterally of the intersection area into those regions of the linear portions which emanate from the intersection area of the embossment pattern. The resultant displacement of ruptured portions 52, 54 of the embossment pattern after a straw has been inserted into the interior of the container is depicted in Figure 4.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the pattern of embossment is chosen to include at least first and second generally linear portions 42, 44 which mutually intersect, preferentially bisect, one another.
The linear portion 42, 44 is preferably rotated at the 45 degree angle to the fiber orientation of the paperboard substrate. This orientation ensures that the rupturing force acts uniformly on the fibers. It is anticipated, however, that more than two linear portions may be employed, but are not required.
Preferably, the linear portions are each of equal length, but different lengths of linear portions may be employed, including, for example, alternating lengths. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, the terminal ends 56, 58 of the first linear position 42, and 60, 62 of the second linear portion 44 are each tapered down and/or rounded, to decrease the likelihood of any rupture of the weakened area extending beyond the terminus of each linear portion. In a typical embodiment, the centerline 64 of each linear portion of an embossment intersects, and preferably bisects, the centerline 66 of each other linear portion of the embossment pattern. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the termini of the two linear portions lie within an imaginary circle 68 which is concentric with the point of intersection 46 of the linear portions. In any event, the diameter of the imaginary circle (Fig. 2) exceeds the diameter of the straw to be used in rupturing the weakened area, but does not exceed such minimum diameter to the extent that liquid will readily leak from the container when the straw is inserted into the interior of the container. In a typical container, the diameter of the imaginary circle will range between about 0.4 and about 0.6 inch in diameter. Further, whereas it is preferred that each of the linear portions of the embossment be of the same geometry, including the same width, it will be recognized that combinations of linear portions of differing widths may be employed.
Examples of differing arrangements of linear portions 78-88 of the embossments 70-79, respectively, are depicted in Figures 5-11.
As seen in Figures 3, 5, 13, and 14, each linear portion of the embossment of the present invention is of a semi-circular cross-section. In a typical embodiment employing a paperboard laminate of 16 mils thickness, the width "Wi" of each linear portion is chosen to be about 0.039 inch. Likewise, the height "H1" of each linear portion is chosen to be about 0.006 inch. In this example, the area of the weakened portion (intersection) of the embossment pattern is about 0.002 in2. In this embodiment, a rupture force of about 4.7 lbf (mean value) applied to the weakened area, using a 4mm diameter drinking straw readily ruptured the embossment.
Referring to Figure 5 in particular, it will be seen that the intersection 46 of the multiple linear portions 42, 44 of the embossment pattern produces an area 38 within and preferably about the center of the pattern the pattern which is a combination of the widths of the individual ones of the linear portions. This structure defines a type of weak bridge 90 (see Figures 13 and 14) over the intersection which comprises stressed, but integral, paperboard laminate. The present inventors have found that this enlarged and weakened area offers less resistance to rupture than the remainder of each of the linear portions of the embossment. Thus, when the end of a common drinking straw is forced against such enlarged area 38, there occurs immediate and ready initial rupture of the enlarged area. This rupture is readily spread laterally from the enlarged area along each of the linear portions to create an opening sufficient for the entry of the end of the straw fully into the interior of the container for the withdrawal of the container contents via suction applied to the opposite end of the straw.
Importantly, in the present invention, each pattern of embossment is imparted to a blank 30 prior to erection of the blank into a container. To this end, the present inventor has found that formation of the desired embossment of semi-circular cross-section is formed employing a male and female die set. A cross-sectional view of one suitable die set 92 is depicted in Figures 12 and 15. In this die set, the female die 94 is provided with a cavity 96 of truncated pyramidal cross-section which is adapted to receive therein a portion of the laminate paperboard blank which is forced into the cavity by a matching projection 100 of truncated pyramidal cross-section of the male die 102.
In one embodiment, the height h, of the projection is about 60% greater than the depth of the female die cavity. Further the width of the base of the projection of the male die is about 57% greater than the width of the mouth of the cavity in the female die.
In one another embodiment, the height h, of the projection is about 22%
shorter than the depth of the female die cavity. Further, the width of the base of the projection of the male die is about 19% narrower than the width of the mouth of the cavity in the female die. These dimensional relationships provide substantially uniformly distributed pressure applied to the paperboard laminate interposed between the male and female dies, hence uniform displacement of laminate paperboard and formation of an embossment pattern whose components are each of uniform thickness.
Further, these dimensional relationships, employing a female die cavity and a male projection of truncated pyramidal cross-section form an embossment of substantially semi-circular cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, each embossment preferably does not extend above the plane of an outer (or inner as the case may be) surface of the laminate paperboard by a distance greater than the approximate thickness of the laminate paperboard. The final height of the embossed portion of the laminate paperboard is chosen by limitation of the extent of closing of the die set, a function which is readily accomplished and which has been found to provide the uniformity of displacement of the paperboard laminate out of its sheet form and into the embossment. Male and female dies are incorporated, i.e. readily incorporated, into existing container blank-forming machines, and are relatively inexpensive, so that their use in the present invention represents relatively little added cost to the production of container blanks. More importantly, the use of male and female dies provides that control over the uniformity of displacement of the paperboard laminate during formation of the embossment which is necessary for automated production of container blanks. Still further, employing dies which define embossments of semi-circular cross-section has been found to provide an unanticipated benefit relative to the ability to selectively control the extent or degree of destruction of the outer polymeric layer(s) of the laminate paperboard, hence the absence of spoilage, contamination, etc. of the contents of a container having a rupturable area in accordance with the present invention. Still further, such retained integrity of the outer layers of the laminate paperboard precludes the leakage of liquid, either from exteriorly or interiorly of the container, from being absorbed by exposed fibers of the paperboard itself, and resultant potential failure of the strength of the container, among other things.
Notably, the present inventors have found that embossing the paperboard laminate between male and female dies having a truncated pyramidal female die cavity and a complimentary geometry male die projection, squeezes the laminate therebetween in a manner which provides the desired substantially semi-circular cross-sectional geometry of the embossment without rupture of any outer layer of the laminate, or with limited rupture of one or more, but not all, the layers of the laminate.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, with reference to the apparatus schematically depicted in Figure 15, there is provided a method for the formation of a rupturable area in the wall of a blank from which a container may be formed comprising the steps of disposing a portion of a laminate paperboard 10 having an outer layer of barrier or sealing material on at least one surface thereof, as depicted in Figures 13 and 14, between male and female dies 94 and 102, respectively, having respective projection 100 and cavity 96 features adapted to define an embossment of substantially semi-circular cross-section, and pressing said male and female dies together to that extent which defines said embossment, but which does not destroy or otherwise damage the integrity of said outer layer of barrier material or other layers of the laminate. In the apparatus depicted in Figure 15, the male and female dies are mounted on the outer circumference of nip rolls 104 and 106, respectively, thereby providing for the embossment of succeeding blanks defined on a sheet of laminate paperboard which is continuously fed through the nip rolls.
In the preferred method, the laminate material of the container wall is embossed from the inside outwardly of the container. That is, the embossment projects from the outer surface of the container, as opposed to the embossment projecting inwardly of the container. This feature of the invention provides for cleaner rupturing of the weakened intersection of the rupturable area, followed by uniform spread of the rupture along the individual linear portions of the embossment. However, as desired, the embossment may be formed from outside inwardly of the container.
Referring to Figures 16-20, one of a pair of male die inserts 110 is shown.
The male die insert 110 includes a plurality of embossment 112. The plurality of embossments 112 includes four shallow indentation embossments 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d which are intersecting one another. Each shallow indentation embossments 114a-d has a substantially semi-circular cross section 126 as depicted in Fig. 19.
Figure 17 is shown the side view of the male die insert 110. It should be noted that each of the male die insert 110 is designed and fabricated such that they appear as two intersecting cylindrical surfaces 120 8s 122. This special design ensures that when the two male die inserts compress on the blank, as shown in Figure 18, the substrate is weakened within the blank and the polymer layer(s) remain intact during embossment.
Figure 19 illustrate the blank 30 having a structurally weakened area 38 with the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 20, when the two male die inserts 110 come together, they compress upon the blank and produce two smooth hemispheres 126 within the blank. The center of these hemispheres considered to be the weakest area 126 within the blank. The weakest area 126 resulted from two male die inserts 110 compressing on the blank and that stretches the substrate beyond its maximum allowable stress in one portion of the laminate. For example, the paperboard portion of the laminate has an elongation to break of about 2 to 3 percent, but other layers of the laminate, e.g., polyethylene layers has an elongation to break of 65 to 70 percent so that those layers are not damaged.
In this way, rupturable layers can be engineered within the substrate structure.
Figure 20 illustrate a blank-forming apparatus 128 for producing embossments on a portion of the blank. The apparatus comprises a plurality of die cylinders 130 and 132 configured to be mounted longitudinally on the blank-forming apparatus. A plurality of die inserts 110 having a plurality of embossments is releaseably mounted in the longitudinal direction on the plurality of die cylinders 130 & 132. The plurality of die inserts 110 is bolted through holes 134 and holes 35 are alignment holes. The plurality of die inserts is configured to cooperate with one another to produce a structurally weakened area on the portion of the blank passed therebetween.
It should be noted that the structurally weakened area 38 has a thickness that is substantially less than the thickness of the blank. Therefore, a force of about 4.71bf applied to the weakened area 38 will rupture the blank at the weakest area.
In accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, a method for making the blank, as depicted in Fig. 20, is provided. In operation, the method comprises of providing a substrate having a plurality of score lines. Next, producing a pattern of embossments on the substrate by using a pair of male die inserts. The pattern of embossments is defined by a plurality of shallow indentation embossments intersecting one another. The locus of intersection of the plurality of shallow indentation embossments defines a structurally weakened area having a lesser resistance to rupture than the remainder of the pattern of the embossments.
Whereas the present invention has been described using specific values and terms, it is anticipated that one skilled in the art will recognize acceptable alternatives or modifications of the invention and it is intended that the invention be limited only as set forth in the claims appended hereto.
However, in certain of these containers, the opening for gaining access to the contents of the container is located at the bottom of the container, i.e., at that end of the container opposite the lid. In the present disclosure, the term "top wall" of the container is to be construed as referring to that wall of the container through which access to the contents of the container is achieved employing an opening as disclosed herein. Thus, in the aforedescribed lidded cup, the "top wall" of such container would include the actual bottom wall of the cup.
These prior art techniques for weakening the container wall for insertion of a drinking straw, for example, suffer from various problems. Obviously, unsealed full cuts through the thickness of. the container wall are impermissible. Weakening an area of the container wall by cutting partially through the thickness of the wall requires precise cutting of the blank from which the container is ultimately formed. Known commercial production equipment used for this purpose has been found unreliable for producing such partial thickness cuts. Such unreliability is exacerbated by variances in the thickness of the laminate being cut as well as other factors.
Attempts have been made in the prior art to produce weakened areas in the container wall by embossing a pattern in the container wall. In certain containers formed from paperboard laminates and intended to contain a liquid, it is permissible that one or more, but less than all, of the layers of the laminate to be ruptured in the course of defining an opening to be used for future access to the contents of the container. This is true, for example, with containers for liquids having a short shelf life, such as milk. With containers for other liquids such as orange juice, it is impermissible that the liquid in the container be allowed access to the fibers of the paperboard substrate of the laminate. Known embossing patterns and their techniques of production have been found to rupture the outer layers of barrier or sealing materials that are laminated to one or both of the opposite surfaces of a paperboard substrate, thereby exposing the absorbent fibers of the paperboard to soak up liquid from inside the container, or to soak up liquid from the exterior of the container, either such event destroying the ability of the laminate to contain the contents of the container within the container, or permitting inadvertent puncture of the weakened area of the container wall.
In more severe instances, leakage of the container contents results, while in any such instance, the purity, flavor, etc. of the container contents may be compromised. Whereas, as noted, rupture of one or more of the barrier or sealing layers of a paperboard laminate to be used to form containers for liquids, is permissible in certain containers, such layer rupture is not permissible in other containers for liquids. Known prior art techniques, including known embossment patterns, have been found to be lacking in their ability to consistently provide a weakened area in a wall of a container for liquids employing a paperboard laminate, wherein the weakened area remains intact to the extent necessary to retain the contents within the container and/or to protect the contents of the container against undesired alterations of the contents of the container, and still is readily rupturable by a common drinking straw.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved rupturable area in the wall of a container for selectively gaining access to the contents of the container, such improvement including a pattern of at least first and second elongated, e.g., linear, embossments which intersect one another, such as at approximately their respective midpoints. Each embossment is of substantially semi-circular, e.g. rounded, cross-sectional geometry whereby the area immediately adjacent their intersection is substantially less resistant to rupture upon the application of a rupturing force in the nature of a drinking straw urged against the intersection of the embossments, than in those areas of the embossments disposed laterally outwardly of the intersection of the embossments.
The present invention is particularly useful for providing selective access to the contents of a container formed from a paperboard substrate which has a barrier or sealing outer layer of polymeric material bonded to one or both of the outer surfaces of the paperboard. In this latter embodiment, the embossment is performed on a blank from which the container is to be formed. Preferably, the embossment projects outwardly of the outer surface of the wall of the fmished container, but the embossing may be performed from either of the outer surfaces of the container blank, as desired.
In the method of the present invention, a blank intended to be erected into a container is embossed in accordance with the present invention employing male and female mating dies, the male die preferably being disposed on that surface of the blank which will ultimately become the inner wall of the erected container. Through the choice of the extent of closure between the male and female dies, with the laminate paperboard disposed therebetween, and the size and geometry of the projection on the male die and the cavity in the female die, the present method repetitively provides uniform embossment with consistent rupture of less than all the layers of the laminate paperboard or as desired, non-rupture of any of the layers of the laminate, or of one or more layers of the laminate other than at lease one layer which is designed to be a barrier against ingress or egress of gases or liquids into or from the container, or as a heat sealing layer useful in the forming of the container from a blank. The resultant embossment is readily ruptured using a common drinking straw.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a blank comprises a substrate having a plurality of score lines. The substrate is configured to be folded along the plurality of score lines to form a sealed enclosure. A
structurally weakened area is defined on a portion of the substrate. The structurally weakened area comprises a plurality of embossments configured to be produced by a pair of male die inserts acting on opposed sides of the substrate. The structurally weakened area includes a thickness that is substantially less than a thickness of the substrate. The structurally weakened area is configured to be ruptured upon applying a force thereto to permit access to an interior region of the sealed enclosure.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention a container comprises a blank having a paperboard layer that has opposed surfaces. The blank is configured to be integrally folded to form a sealed enclosure having a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls. A plurality of barrier and sealing layers disposed on at least one of opposed surfaces of the paperboard layer. A
structurally weakened area is defined on a portion of the top wall. The structurally weakened area comprises a plurality of embossments configured to be produced by a pair of male die inserts. Each of the plurality of embossments includes a thickness that is substantially less than a thickness of the substrate, the plurality of embossments further include a selected geometry such that the plurality of the barrier and sealing layers remains functionally intact when the laminate is embossed. The structurally weakened area is configured to be ruptured upon applying a force against the structurally weakened area at the location of the plurality of the embossments.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a blank-forming apparatus produces embossments on the portion of the blank. The apparatus comprises a plurality of die cylinders and configured to be mounted longitudinally on the blank-forming apparatus. A plurality of die inserts having a plurality of embossments is releaseably mounted in the longitudinal direction on the plurality of die cylinders. The plurality of die inserts is configured to cooperate with one another to produce a structurally weakened area on the portion of the blank passed therebetween.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method of making a blank is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate having a plurality of score lines and producing a pattern of embossments on the substrate by using a pair of male die inserts. The pattern of embossments is defined by a plurality of shallow indentation embossments intersecting one another. The locus of intersection of the plurality of shallow indentation embossments defines a structurally weakened area having a lesser resistance to rupture than the remainder of the pattern of the embossments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Figure 1 is a laid out view of one embodiment of a blank useful for forming a container having a rupturable area defined in the top wall thereof according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a top view of one embodiment of an embossment pattern of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2,of a portion of the top wall of a container and including an embossment pattern embodying various aspects of the present invention plus a depiction of a drinking straw poised for rupture of the depicted embossment;
Figure 4 is a side elevation view of a portion of a container wall as depicted in Figure 3 and schematically depicting the penetration of the wall with a drinking straw via a rupturable opening in the wall employing various aspects of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embossment in a container wall and embodying various features of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a representation of an alternative embossment pattern embodying various of the features of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a representation of an alternative embossment pattern embodying various of the features of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a representation of an alternative embossment pattern embodying various of the features of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a representation of an alternative embossment pattern embodying various of the features of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a representation of an alternative embossment pattern embodying various of the features of the present invention;
Figure 11 is a representation of an alternative embossment pattern embodying various of the features of the present invention;
Figure 12 is a side elevational view, in section, of a typical die employed in the formation of an embossment of the present invention;
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a laminate paperboard useful in the present invention;
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a further laminate paperboard useful in the present invention; and Figure 15 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of apparatus for embossing a laminate in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 16 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an embossment pattern of the present invention;
Figure 17 is a side view of the embossment depicted in Figure 16;
Figure 18 is side views of a pair of male dies facing one another;
Figure 19 is cross sectional view of a portion of a substrate useful in the second embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 20 is a schematic representation of the second embodiment of apparatus for embossing a blank in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a container particularly useful for containing a liquid comestible which is intended to be accessed and withdrawn from the interior of the container via a common drinking straw which is also employed to rupture a relatively small weakened area in a wall (usually the top wall) of the container and thereby permit the passage of the straw into the interior of the container, all as is well known in the prior art and need not be described in detail.
Figures 3 and 4 depict a portion 20 of the top wall 22 of a container and the entry of the end 24 of a straw 26 into the interior of the container via a weakened area 38 in the wall of the container, the weakened area being ruptured using the end of the straw.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the paperboard laminate 10 (Figures 13 and 14) comprises a paperboard substrate 12 having a thickness of between about 15 and about 17 mils for example. In a typical paperboard laminate as used in the formation of containers for liquids, at least one, and commonly both, of the opposite surfaces 14, 16 of the paperboard has bonded thereto a barrier layer 18, 19, commonly of a polymeric material, such as polyethylene which also may serve as a barrier against the entry into, or passage through, the wall of the container of gas(es) or liquid(s) and/or as a sealant in the formation of the blank into a container. This barrier or sealing layer commonly may be about 25 microns thick, for example. Whereas the laminates depicted in Figures 13 and 14 include only two and three layers, respectively, it will be recognized that the laminate may include additional layers, as desired or needed for a particular application of the laminate.
Figure 1 depicts a typical blank 30 employed in the formation of a common gable top container which includes one embodiment of an embossment pattern 28 defined in one panel 32 of the top end 34 of the blank which ultimately becomes the top end of a container. The depicted blank includes various fold lines 36, for example, commonly formed as score lines into the thickness of the blank.
Referring to Figures 2-5, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a wall 22 of a container for a liquid comestible, for example, is provided with a structurally weakened area 38 designed to be ruptured using a common drinking straw 26. In the present invention this weakened area takes the form of an embossment 40 defined in the wall'of the container and which includes at least first and second generally elongated (e.g., linear) portions 42 and 44, respectively, which intersect 46 one another, for example, at their approximate midpoints. In the depicted, and preferred, embossment, each of the linear portions of the embossment is of a substantially semi-circular cross-section as seen in Figures 3, 5, 13, and 14.
As a consequence of their formation by embossing, each of the linear sections is weakened to a first degree and subject to ready rupture. Of importance in the present invention, through the use of such intersecting linear, semi-circular cross-sectional, portions 42, 44 of the embossment, the present inventor provides an area within the intersection 46 of the linear portions which is weakened to a second degree which provides lesser resistance to rupture than the resistance to rupture of the remainder of each of the linear portions of the embossment. Thus, the present embossment pattern provides an area within the embossment pattern which is readily ruptured by applying a force thereagainst using the end of a common drinking straw to provide ready and easy initial commencement of a rupture of the weakened intersection of the generally linear embossments. Once a rupture of the weaker intersection area has commenced, less force is required to extend the rupture laterally of the intersection area into those regions of the linear portions which emanate from the intersection area of the embossment pattern. The resultant displacement of ruptured portions 52, 54 of the embossment pattern after a straw has been inserted into the interior of the container is depicted in Figure 4.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the pattern of embossment is chosen to include at least first and second generally linear portions 42, 44 which mutually intersect, preferentially bisect, one another.
The linear portion 42, 44 is preferably rotated at the 45 degree angle to the fiber orientation of the paperboard substrate. This orientation ensures that the rupturing force acts uniformly on the fibers. It is anticipated, however, that more than two linear portions may be employed, but are not required.
Preferably, the linear portions are each of equal length, but different lengths of linear portions may be employed, including, for example, alternating lengths. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, the terminal ends 56, 58 of the first linear position 42, and 60, 62 of the second linear portion 44 are each tapered down and/or rounded, to decrease the likelihood of any rupture of the weakened area extending beyond the terminus of each linear portion. In a typical embodiment, the centerline 64 of each linear portion of an embossment intersects, and preferably bisects, the centerline 66 of each other linear portion of the embossment pattern. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the termini of the two linear portions lie within an imaginary circle 68 which is concentric with the point of intersection 46 of the linear portions. In any event, the diameter of the imaginary circle (Fig. 2) exceeds the diameter of the straw to be used in rupturing the weakened area, but does not exceed such minimum diameter to the extent that liquid will readily leak from the container when the straw is inserted into the interior of the container. In a typical container, the diameter of the imaginary circle will range between about 0.4 and about 0.6 inch in diameter. Further, whereas it is preferred that each of the linear portions of the embossment be of the same geometry, including the same width, it will be recognized that combinations of linear portions of differing widths may be employed.
Examples of differing arrangements of linear portions 78-88 of the embossments 70-79, respectively, are depicted in Figures 5-11.
As seen in Figures 3, 5, 13, and 14, each linear portion of the embossment of the present invention is of a semi-circular cross-section. In a typical embodiment employing a paperboard laminate of 16 mils thickness, the width "Wi" of each linear portion is chosen to be about 0.039 inch. Likewise, the height "H1" of each linear portion is chosen to be about 0.006 inch. In this example, the area of the weakened portion (intersection) of the embossment pattern is about 0.002 in2. In this embodiment, a rupture force of about 4.7 lbf (mean value) applied to the weakened area, using a 4mm diameter drinking straw readily ruptured the embossment.
Referring to Figure 5 in particular, it will be seen that the intersection 46 of the multiple linear portions 42, 44 of the embossment pattern produces an area 38 within and preferably about the center of the pattern the pattern which is a combination of the widths of the individual ones of the linear portions. This structure defines a type of weak bridge 90 (see Figures 13 and 14) over the intersection which comprises stressed, but integral, paperboard laminate. The present inventors have found that this enlarged and weakened area offers less resistance to rupture than the remainder of each of the linear portions of the embossment. Thus, when the end of a common drinking straw is forced against such enlarged area 38, there occurs immediate and ready initial rupture of the enlarged area. This rupture is readily spread laterally from the enlarged area along each of the linear portions to create an opening sufficient for the entry of the end of the straw fully into the interior of the container for the withdrawal of the container contents via suction applied to the opposite end of the straw.
Importantly, in the present invention, each pattern of embossment is imparted to a blank 30 prior to erection of the blank into a container. To this end, the present inventor has found that formation of the desired embossment of semi-circular cross-section is formed employing a male and female die set. A cross-sectional view of one suitable die set 92 is depicted in Figures 12 and 15. In this die set, the female die 94 is provided with a cavity 96 of truncated pyramidal cross-section which is adapted to receive therein a portion of the laminate paperboard blank which is forced into the cavity by a matching projection 100 of truncated pyramidal cross-section of the male die 102.
In one embodiment, the height h, of the projection is about 60% greater than the depth of the female die cavity. Further the width of the base of the projection of the male die is about 57% greater than the width of the mouth of the cavity in the female die.
In one another embodiment, the height h, of the projection is about 22%
shorter than the depth of the female die cavity. Further, the width of the base of the projection of the male die is about 19% narrower than the width of the mouth of the cavity in the female die. These dimensional relationships provide substantially uniformly distributed pressure applied to the paperboard laminate interposed between the male and female dies, hence uniform displacement of laminate paperboard and formation of an embossment pattern whose components are each of uniform thickness.
Further, these dimensional relationships, employing a female die cavity and a male projection of truncated pyramidal cross-section form an embossment of substantially semi-circular cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, each embossment preferably does not extend above the plane of an outer (or inner as the case may be) surface of the laminate paperboard by a distance greater than the approximate thickness of the laminate paperboard. The final height of the embossed portion of the laminate paperboard is chosen by limitation of the extent of closing of the die set, a function which is readily accomplished and which has been found to provide the uniformity of displacement of the paperboard laminate out of its sheet form and into the embossment. Male and female dies are incorporated, i.e. readily incorporated, into existing container blank-forming machines, and are relatively inexpensive, so that their use in the present invention represents relatively little added cost to the production of container blanks. More importantly, the use of male and female dies provides that control over the uniformity of displacement of the paperboard laminate during formation of the embossment which is necessary for automated production of container blanks. Still further, employing dies which define embossments of semi-circular cross-section has been found to provide an unanticipated benefit relative to the ability to selectively control the extent or degree of destruction of the outer polymeric layer(s) of the laminate paperboard, hence the absence of spoilage, contamination, etc. of the contents of a container having a rupturable area in accordance with the present invention. Still further, such retained integrity of the outer layers of the laminate paperboard precludes the leakage of liquid, either from exteriorly or interiorly of the container, from being absorbed by exposed fibers of the paperboard itself, and resultant potential failure of the strength of the container, among other things.
Notably, the present inventors have found that embossing the paperboard laminate between male and female dies having a truncated pyramidal female die cavity and a complimentary geometry male die projection, squeezes the laminate therebetween in a manner which provides the desired substantially semi-circular cross-sectional geometry of the embossment without rupture of any outer layer of the laminate, or with limited rupture of one or more, but not all, the layers of the laminate.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, with reference to the apparatus schematically depicted in Figure 15, there is provided a method for the formation of a rupturable area in the wall of a blank from which a container may be formed comprising the steps of disposing a portion of a laminate paperboard 10 having an outer layer of barrier or sealing material on at least one surface thereof, as depicted in Figures 13 and 14, between male and female dies 94 and 102, respectively, having respective projection 100 and cavity 96 features adapted to define an embossment of substantially semi-circular cross-section, and pressing said male and female dies together to that extent which defines said embossment, but which does not destroy or otherwise damage the integrity of said outer layer of barrier material or other layers of the laminate. In the apparatus depicted in Figure 15, the male and female dies are mounted on the outer circumference of nip rolls 104 and 106, respectively, thereby providing for the embossment of succeeding blanks defined on a sheet of laminate paperboard which is continuously fed through the nip rolls.
In the preferred method, the laminate material of the container wall is embossed from the inside outwardly of the container. That is, the embossment projects from the outer surface of the container, as opposed to the embossment projecting inwardly of the container. This feature of the invention provides for cleaner rupturing of the weakened intersection of the rupturable area, followed by uniform spread of the rupture along the individual linear portions of the embossment. However, as desired, the embossment may be formed from outside inwardly of the container.
Referring to Figures 16-20, one of a pair of male die inserts 110 is shown.
The male die insert 110 includes a plurality of embossment 112. The plurality of embossments 112 includes four shallow indentation embossments 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d which are intersecting one another. Each shallow indentation embossments 114a-d has a substantially semi-circular cross section 126 as depicted in Fig. 19.
Figure 17 is shown the side view of the male die insert 110. It should be noted that each of the male die insert 110 is designed and fabricated such that they appear as two intersecting cylindrical surfaces 120 8s 122. This special design ensures that when the two male die inserts compress on the blank, as shown in Figure 18, the substrate is weakened within the blank and the polymer layer(s) remain intact during embossment.
Figure 19 illustrate the blank 30 having a structurally weakened area 38 with the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 20, when the two male die inserts 110 come together, they compress upon the blank and produce two smooth hemispheres 126 within the blank. The center of these hemispheres considered to be the weakest area 126 within the blank. The weakest area 126 resulted from two male die inserts 110 compressing on the blank and that stretches the substrate beyond its maximum allowable stress in one portion of the laminate. For example, the paperboard portion of the laminate has an elongation to break of about 2 to 3 percent, but other layers of the laminate, e.g., polyethylene layers has an elongation to break of 65 to 70 percent so that those layers are not damaged.
In this way, rupturable layers can be engineered within the substrate structure.
Figure 20 illustrate a blank-forming apparatus 128 for producing embossments on a portion of the blank. The apparatus comprises a plurality of die cylinders 130 and 132 configured to be mounted longitudinally on the blank-forming apparatus. A plurality of die inserts 110 having a plurality of embossments is releaseably mounted in the longitudinal direction on the plurality of die cylinders 130 & 132. The plurality of die inserts 110 is bolted through holes 134 and holes 35 are alignment holes. The plurality of die inserts is configured to cooperate with one another to produce a structurally weakened area on the portion of the blank passed therebetween.
It should be noted that the structurally weakened area 38 has a thickness that is substantially less than the thickness of the blank. Therefore, a force of about 4.71bf applied to the weakened area 38 will rupture the blank at the weakest area.
In accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, a method for making the blank, as depicted in Fig. 20, is provided. In operation, the method comprises of providing a substrate having a plurality of score lines. Next, producing a pattern of embossments on the substrate by using a pair of male die inserts. The pattern of embossments is defined by a plurality of shallow indentation embossments intersecting one another. The locus of intersection of the plurality of shallow indentation embossments defines a structurally weakened area having a lesser resistance to rupture than the remainder of the pattern of the embossments.
Whereas the present invention has been described using specific values and terms, it is anticipated that one skilled in the art will recognize acceptable alternatives or modifications of the invention and it is intended that the invention be limited only as set forth in the claims appended hereto.
Claims (17)
1. In a container formed from a laminate having a paperboard layer and a layer serving as at least one of a barrier layer and a sealing layer on at least one of the opposite surfaces of the paperboard layer, the container having a top end, the improvement comprising a structurally weakened area in the laminate and defined in association with a wall of the container, said weakened area being defined by at least first and second generally elongated embossments which intersect one another, each of said embossments having a curved transverse cross-sectional geometry and each of the paperboard layer and the at least one of the barrier layer and sealing layer being continuous and intact within the embossments across the intersection of the embossments, the first and second elongated embossments defining a weakened area for rupture thereof upon the application of a rupturing force in the nature of a drinking straw urged against said weakened area in the approximate location of the intersection of said at least first and second generally elongated embossments.
2. The improvement of Claim 1 wherein said cross-sectional geometry of each of said at least first and second intersecting embossments is substantially constant in geometry over its cross-sectional area.
3. The improvement of Claim 2 wherein said intersection of said at least first and second elongated embossments defines an area of first resistance to rupture of said laminate at said intersection, and portions the first and second embossments laterally displaced from the intersection have a second resistance to rupture of either of said at least first and second embossments, wherein said first resistance is less than said second resistance.
4. The improvement of Claim 1 wherein each of said embossments projects outwardly of said container and beyond the plane of an outer surface of said laminate.
5. The improvement of Claim 1 wherein each of said embossments projects beyond the plane of an outer surface of said laminate by a distance not greater than about the wall thickness of the container.
6. The improvement of Claim 1 wherein said laminate includes a layer of polyethylene on each of the opposite surfaces of said laminate; and wherein said embossments do not destroy the continuity of said polyethylene layers on said laminate.
7. The improvement of Claim 1 wherein said embossments are substantially linear and wherein said at least first and second embossments structurally weaken said laminate in the area of said embossments.
8. A method for enhancing access to the liquid contents of a closed container formed from a paperboard laminate and having a top wall comprising the steps of providing a pattern of embossments in a top wall of the container said pattern including at least first and second elongated embossments which intersect one another at least once along their respective lengths, portions the first and second elongated embossments spaced apart from the intersection of the first and second elongated embossments having a first resistance to rupture of the laminate, each of said elongated embossments having a curved substantially semi-circular cross-sectional geometry, the locus of intersection of said embossments defines a structurally weakened area having a second resistance to rupture of the laminate, wherein the second resistance is less than the first resistance.
9. The method of Claim 8 further comprising the step of positioning said embossment as projections from an outer surface of the laminate which defines the interior of the container.
10. The method of Claim 8 wherein said embossments project from an outer surface of the laminate a distance not greater than the thickness of the top wall of the container.
11. A blank comprising:
a laminate including a substrate having first and second opposite surfaces and at least one other layer of disparate elongation to break property relative to the substrate, the elongation to break property of the at least one other layer being greater than the elongation to break property of the substrate;
the laminate having a plurality of score lines, the substrate configured to be folded along the plurality of score lines to form a sealed enclosure;
a structurally weakened area being defined on a portion of the first surface of the at least one other layer of disparate elongation to break property comprising a plurality of intersecting embossments produced by a pair of registered male die inserts acting simultaneously on opposed surfaces of the laminate, each of the embossments being of a continuous length and non-pervious to liquids over their length, the structurally weakened area includes a thickness that is substantially less than a thickness of the substrate and wherein the structurally weakened area is configured to be ruptured upon applying thereto a puncturing force originated externally of the container to permit access to an interior region of the sealed enclosure; and the structurally weakened area remains unfolded during formation of the blank into the sealed enclosure.
a laminate including a substrate having first and second opposite surfaces and at least one other layer of disparate elongation to break property relative to the substrate, the elongation to break property of the at least one other layer being greater than the elongation to break property of the substrate;
the laminate having a plurality of score lines, the substrate configured to be folded along the plurality of score lines to form a sealed enclosure;
a structurally weakened area being defined on a portion of the first surface of the at least one other layer of disparate elongation to break property comprising a plurality of intersecting embossments produced by a pair of registered male die inserts acting simultaneously on opposed surfaces of the laminate, each of the embossments being of a continuous length and non-pervious to liquids over their length, the structurally weakened area includes a thickness that is substantially less than a thickness of the substrate and wherein the structurally weakened area is configured to be ruptured upon applying thereto a puncturing force originated externally of the container to permit access to an interior region of the sealed enclosure; and the structurally weakened area remains unfolded during formation of the blank into the sealed enclosure.
12. The blank of claim 11 wherein the substrate further comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, an inner layer of a polymer coated on the inner surface of the substrate, an outer layer of a polymer coated on the outer surface of the substrate wherein the inner and outer layers are configured to resist a force of about 4.7lbf applied to the structural weakening area of the plurality of embossments.
13. The blank of claim 12 wherein the substrate further comprises an inner surface layer of polymer coated on the inner surface of the substrate and wherein the substrate is configured to resist a force of about 4.7 lbf applied to the structural weakening area.
14. A container comprising:
a blank having a paperboard layer, the paperboard layer includes opposed surfaces, the blank configured to be integrally folded to form a sealed enclosure having a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls;
a plurality of barrier and sealing layers disposed on at least one of opposed surfaces of the paperboard layer, at least one of the plurality of barrier and sealing layers having an elongation to break property exceeding the elongation to break property of the paperboard layer;
a structurally weakened area being defined on a portion of the top wall, the structurally weakened area comprises a plurality embossments produced by a pair of male die inserts on opposed surfaces of the blank, each of the plurality of embossments having a thickness that is substantially less than a thickness of the laminate, the plurality of embossments further include a selected geometry such that the plurality of the barrier and sealing layers remains functionally intact when the laminate is embossed and wherein the structurally weakened area is ruptured upon applying a force against the structurally weakened area at the location of the plurality of the embossments, and the structurally weakened area remains unfolded during formation of the blank into the sealed container.
a blank having a paperboard layer, the paperboard layer includes opposed surfaces, the blank configured to be integrally folded to form a sealed enclosure having a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls;
a plurality of barrier and sealing layers disposed on at least one of opposed surfaces of the paperboard layer, at least one of the plurality of barrier and sealing layers having an elongation to break property exceeding the elongation to break property of the paperboard layer;
a structurally weakened area being defined on a portion of the top wall, the structurally weakened area comprises a plurality embossments produced by a pair of male die inserts on opposed surfaces of the blank, each of the plurality of embossments having a thickness that is substantially less than a thickness of the laminate, the plurality of embossments further include a selected geometry such that the plurality of the barrier and sealing layers remains functionally intact when the laminate is embossed and wherein the structurally weakened area is ruptured upon applying a force against the structurally weakened area at the location of the plurality of the embossments, and the structurally weakened area remains unfolded during formation of the blank into the sealed container.
15. The container of claim 14 wherein the embossments each have a substantially semi-circular cross section.
16. The container of claim 15 wherein the embossments project inwardly of the laminate and into the plane of the paperboard layer.
17. A method for making a blank, the method comprising:
providing a substrate having a plurality of score lines; and producing a pattern of embossments on the substrate by using a pair of male die inserts, the pattern of embossments being defined by a plurality of indentation embossments intersecting one another, portions the embossments spaced apart from the intersection of the embossments having a first resistance to rupture of the laminate, the locus of intersection of the plurality of indentation embossments defines a structurally weakened area having a second resistance to rupture of the laminate, wherein the second resistance is less than the first resistance.
providing a substrate having a plurality of score lines; and producing a pattern of embossments on the substrate by using a pair of male die inserts, the pattern of embossments being defined by a plurality of indentation embossments intersecting one another, portions the embossments spaced apart from the intersection of the embossments having a first resistance to rupture of the laminate, the locus of intersection of the plurality of indentation embossments defines a structurally weakened area having a second resistance to rupture of the laminate, wherein the second resistance is less than the first resistance.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/848,207 US20050258221A1 (en) | 2004-05-18 | 2004-05-18 | Repturable opening for sealed container |
| US10/848,207 | 2004-05-18 | ||
| US10/892,961 | 2004-07-16 | ||
| US10/892,961 US7556191B2 (en) | 2004-05-18 | 2004-07-16 | Rupturable opening for sealed container |
| PCT/IB2005/001331 WO2005113373A1 (en) | 2004-05-18 | 2005-05-17 | Rupturable opening for sealed container |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2565760A1 CA2565760A1 (en) | 2005-12-01 |
| CA2565760C true CA2565760C (en) | 2012-11-06 |
Family
ID=34968477
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2565760A Active CA2565760C (en) | 2004-05-18 | 2005-05-17 | Rupturable opening for sealed container |
Country Status (13)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US7556191B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1751026B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP4668267B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR101194068B1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE443004T1 (en) |
| BR (1) | BRPI0510913A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2565760C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE602005016672D1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2330024T3 (en) |
| IL (1) | IL179281A (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA06013347A (en) |
| TW (1) | TWI341811B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2005113373A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP5216539B2 (en) * | 2008-11-11 | 2013-06-19 | 日本テトラパック株式会社 | Straw opening structure of liquid food container |
| JP5340063B2 (en) * | 2009-07-17 | 2013-11-13 | 日本テトラパック株式会社 | Opening device for straw for liquid food containers |
| EP2717935B1 (en) * | 2011-06-07 | 2016-12-07 | BSN medical GmbH | Wound-covering article with preparation for attachment of a vacuum device |
| US9205165B2 (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2015-12-08 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Volatile material dispensing system having an adjustable diffusion apparatus |
| US9821949B2 (en) | 2013-01-28 | 2017-11-21 | Bernis Company, Inc. | Rupturable container having directional burst seal |
| GB201308927D0 (en) | 2013-05-17 | 2013-07-03 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | A beverage preparation system, a capsule and a method for forming a beverage |
| AU2014266921C1 (en) | 2013-05-17 | 2018-01-25 | Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. | A beverage preparation system, a capsule and a method for forming a beverage |
| ES2650925T3 (en) * | 2013-11-26 | 2018-01-23 | Kraft Foods R&D, Inc. | Container and piece of container |
| WO2016016237A1 (en) * | 2014-07-28 | 2016-02-04 | Unistraw Holdings Pte. Ltd. | Filled and sealed beverage container |
| GB201420262D0 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2014-12-31 | Kraft Foods R & D Inc | A method of forming a cup-shaped body for a beverage capsule |
| BR112019011624B1 (en) * | 2017-02-08 | 2023-10-31 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | PACKAGING MATERIAL, PACKAGING, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A PACKAGING MATERIAL |
| WO2020137138A1 (en) * | 2018-12-26 | 2020-07-02 | 株式会社ＴａｎａーＸ | Straw and straw manufacturing method |
Family Cites Families (29)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3361611A (en) | 1965-04-05 | 1968-01-02 | Tetra Pak Ab | Method of covering a stamped hole in a laminated packaging material by means of a wafer or the like, and a package to which the method has been applied |
| US3596829A (en) | 1966-10-26 | 1971-08-03 | Conard O Gardner | Container structures |
| US3494536A (en) * | 1967-12-07 | 1970-02-10 | Finn Ind Inc | Self-forming closed carton |
| US3687358A (en) | 1971-05-27 | 1972-08-29 | Cadillac Products | Manually openable leakproof package construction |
| US3907193A (en) * | 1974-04-08 | 1975-09-23 | Autoplex Corp | Plastic folding containers and process and apparatus for making same |
| DE2659275C3 (en) * | 1976-12-29 | 1980-10-09 | Papier- Und Kunststoff-Werke Linnich Gmbh, 4000 Duesseldorf | Container for liquids with a pierceable spout |
| SE7901065A0 (en) * | 1979-02-07 | 1980-08-08 | Tetra Pak Ab | Opening device for packaging containers |
| DE3037657A1 (en) | 1980-10-04 | 1982-04-22 | Papier-und Kunststoff-Werke Linnich GmbH, 4000 Düsseldorf | BEVERAGE PACK |
| US4438865A (en) | 1983-04-11 | 1984-03-27 | Joseph J. Scattaregia | Anti-spill lid for a drinking cup |
| JPS60134761U (en) | 1984-02-17 | 1985-09-07 | 東洋製罐株式会社 | Packaging container with straw tab |
| JPH0444351Y2 (en) * | 1985-10-22 | 1992-10-20 | ||
| US4762514A (en) | 1985-11-01 | 1988-08-09 | Fujimori Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Method of making beverage packaging bag |
| US4660737A (en) | 1986-04-02 | 1987-04-28 | General Foods Corporation | Carton and pouch system |
| GB8701647D0 (en) * | 1987-01-26 | 1987-03-04 | Elopak Ltd | Packaging |
| US4834244A (en) * | 1988-03-31 | 1989-05-30 | Toshimune Masui | Dispensing case with ruled perforated line |
| DE3914497A1 (en) | 1989-05-02 | 1990-11-08 | Pkl Verpackungssysteme Gmbh | LIQUID PACK |
| US5201459A (en) | 1990-08-21 | 1993-04-13 | Tropicana Products, Inc. | Beverage container with novel dispensing means |
| US5147065A (en) | 1991-11-04 | 1992-09-15 | James River Corporation Of Virginia | Disposable cup lid having a tear-resistant straw slot |
| JPH0629827U (en) * | 1992-09-24 | 1994-04-19 | 株式会社イソワ | Ruled line type for crease formation of corrugated board sheet |
| WO1994020003A2 (en) * | 1993-03-03 | 1994-09-15 | Carnaudmetal Box Plc | Drinking tube & container end |
| US5397023A (en) | 1993-12-06 | 1995-03-14 | James River Corporation Of Virginia | Disposable cup lid having a tear-resistant straw through-slit |
| AU2044195A (en) * | 1994-06-10 | 1995-12-21 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance Sa | Container of laminated material with opening and method for manufacturing the container |
| US5997177A (en) | 1997-11-25 | 1999-12-07 | Kraft Foods, Inc. | Tamper-evident opening system for beverage container |
| US6368539B1 (en) * | 1999-07-30 | 2002-04-09 | Potlatch Corporation | Methods of embossing materials |
| JP2002036388A (en) * | 2000-07-25 | 2002-02-05 | Isowa Corp | Rule applying device of corrugated cardboard sheet box making machine |
| US20020145000A1 (en) * | 2001-04-10 | 2002-10-10 | Hongbiao Li | Non-spillable beverage container |
| US20040149755A1 (en) * | 2001-05-30 | 2004-08-05 | Olivar Dante R. | Combined saucer and cover for beverage cup |
| US6783019B2 (en) * | 2001-09-14 | 2004-08-31 | Jeffrey J. Zettle | Container lid with selectable opening |
| NO315644B1 (en) * | 2002-01-21 | 2003-10-06 | Kolbjoern Naesje | Sealing device of a beverage container and method of making the sealing device |
-
2004
- 2004-07-16 US US10/892,961 patent/US7556191B2/en active Active
-
2005
- 2005-05-17 EP EP05742455A patent/EP1751026B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-05-17 ES ES05742455T patent/ES2330024T3/en active Active
- 2005-05-17 KR KR1020067024148A patent/KR101194068B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2005-05-17 JP JP2007517481A patent/JP4668267B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-05-17 DE DE602005016672T patent/DE602005016672D1/en active Active
- 2005-05-17 CA CA2565760A patent/CA2565760C/en active Active
- 2005-05-17 MX MXPA06013347A patent/MXPA06013347A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2005-05-17 WO PCT/IB2005/001331 patent/WO2005113373A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-05-17 AT AT05742455T patent/ATE443004T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-05-17 BR BRPI0510913-2A patent/BRPI0510913A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-05-18 TW TW094116074A patent/TWI341811B/en active
-
2006
- 2006-11-14 IL IL179281A patent/IL179281A/en active IP Right Grant
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| MXPA06013347A (en) | 2007-01-23 |
| US20050258222A1 (en) | 2005-11-24 |
| EP1751026B1 (en) | 2009-09-16 |
| EP1751026A1 (en) | 2007-02-14 |
| BRPI0510913A (en) | 2007-11-13 |
| KR20070013304A (en) | 2007-01-30 |
| IL179281A (en) | 2011-08-31 |
| DE602005016672D1 (en) | 2009-10-29 |
| TWI341811B (en) | 2011-05-11 |
| IL179281A0 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
| WO2005113373A1 (en) | 2005-12-01 |
| US7556191B2 (en) | 2009-07-07 |
| TW200600421A (en) | 2006-01-01 |
| JP4668267B2 (en) | 2011-04-13 |
| JP2007537944A (en) | 2007-12-27 |
| ATE443004T1 (en) | 2009-10-15 |
| ES2330024T3 (en) | 2009-12-03 |
| CA2565760A1 (en) | 2005-12-01 |
| KR101194068B1 (en) | 2012-10-24 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2565760C (en) | Rupturable opening for sealed container | |
| US4595116A (en) | Opening arrangement for packing containers and a method for the manufacture of the same | |
| EP0596747A1 (en) | Easy open package, film and method of construction | |
| US11813817B2 (en) | Production method for producing a sealed break-open package and corresponding sealed break-open package | |
| US5620550A (en) | Packaging material with an opening arrangement and a method of producing same | |
| US20180361718A1 (en) | Package Material Blank and Method of Forming the Same | |
| US4362245A (en) | Liquid tight pouring carton | |
| EP3439978A1 (en) | Blank, packaging shell, packaging, and method for producing a cut, a packaging shell, and a packaging | |
| DE10111232A1 (en) | Food packaging tray is made form a card blank with grooves along the folding edges between sections of the blank | |
| EP3360811B1 (en) | A packaging material and a method for providing a packaging material | |
| CN112004757A (en) | Corner breaking type sealed package | |
| US20050258221A1 (en) | Repturable opening for sealed container | |
| JP2013216334A (en) | Packaging bag | |
| WO2016016237A1 (en) | Filled and sealed beverage container | |
| EP1492660B1 (en) | A method in the manufacture of a packaging laminate, a plant in the manufacture of the packaging laminate, and the thus manufactured packaging laminate | |
| US6139480A (en) | Cutting device for effecting a partial cut in a packaging material, and a blank produced therefrom | |
| CN117836213A (en) | Book type open packing box | |
| EP0303582B1 (en) | A folding box | |
| DE102006032614A1 (en) | Drinks container made of laminated material including metal foil has laser-cut weak-point for insertion of drinking straw |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |